Having done our homework, we didn’t need to ask many questions about the quality of the Snowflex material being used to create the 4 huge ski/snowboard runs complete with rails, jumps, and lots of half-pipes. Snowflex is already in use all around the world, and is considered to be the best artificial snow sport surface on the market. The ride is supposed to be comparable to packed snow and, best of all, the riding conditions will be consistent year round. If you’re worried about your board wearing out, don’t. The Snowflex surface won’t wear your board down any faster than regular riding.
Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy short lift lines and quad lifts. If you’re staying at the resort, you can take the gondola right to the slopes. You won’t have to sweat the heat either, the area will be kept cool with an eco friendly outdoor cooling system. If you can’t get your snowboard to the resort during the day, you’ll be happy to find the runs are well lit at night.
While I consider the snowflex park to be the main attraction, Charlie told us about a slew of other features. There’s a tubing hill for the family, an amphitheater, a snow dome, and more. The complex is a full featured resort complete with shops, spas, and first class dining. Kaelina, an ice skater in a past life, was stoked to find out about the ice rink to be built with an amazing artificial surface called Ez-Glide 350. If you want to, you can even ride in a bobsled.
Phase 1 is currently slated 2009. The actual location won’t be disclosed for a little while longer. Phase two looks to possibly include white water rafting and surfing. Having recently discovered the joy of surfing, I can’t wait to develop my riding ability on one perfect thousand yard wave after another.
There are tidbits of other information we learned over coffee with Charlie so if you have any questions that weren’t answered here, feel free to ask them in our forums. Thanks to Charlie for making us feel like little kids again!
